A talented artistic friend of mine was cleaning the attic at his home and found a wooden painter's box, which he gave to me, the other day. I plan on purchasing some foam and turn this case into a large fly box for the boat.

Has anyone out there converted a similar wooden case into a fly box? Did you treat the outside wood with a water repellent, etc.? Any tips before I get started on this mini project?

If it's hard wood, i.e. not pine, it can warp if not treated. Teak oil, linseed oil or outdoor varnish, several coats of each.

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"Angling may be said to be so like mathematics in that it can never be fully understood" - Izaak Walton

Hi, worlds your oyster really. I take it it's a box that was used to contain paints. So your really looking at decorative rather than protective.

Loads of options
Veneer
Clear varnish
Painted finish, Graining, Tortoise shell.
Smashed up egg shells pasted on with varnish looks cool.

Whatever really.

Sean

The case looks similar to this one.



Thanks for the suggestions. I will most likely stain it with Watco Danish oil.

I would worry that the glues used on this will not be waterproof.
You might find it falling apart if it gets wet or is stored in a damp place.
Give it plenty of coats of an exterior varnish, inside and out, and it should be ok.

Have a look at the ironmongery as well it might be cheap rubbish but a few quid will change it for brass fittings.

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It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

I will definitely varnish, rather than simply staining it with teak oil. And a very good suggestion on the hardware. I most likely change it if I see signs of rust, etc.